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Short Term 12 follows Grace (Brie Larson), a twenty-something staff member at a foster care facility as she reckons with caring for the teens in her charge and her own past. This lovingly realized film finds truth and humor in unexpected places.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

This is a gem of a movie, that seems to have gotten lost in the sea of unusually good mass marketed films from 2013. Brie Larson did a phenomenal job, as did the supporting actors. These were flawed, scared characters that took me on a journey into their world, where I became heavily invested in them, particularly Larson's character. The subject matter is heavy but there is just enough humor scattered throughout that I didn't finish the movie feeling drained of any good feelings. On the contrary, I felt a dual sense of sadness and hopefulness, which to me says that the movie portrays real, honest human interactions and emotions - always a plus in my opinion. You will not be wasting your time if you watch this!

I saw Short Term 12 last year but with it being recently added to Netflix instant I thought it would be a good time to revisit this wonderful little film. This is a very simple character driven story that speaks to the truths of being a young adult in an honest unflinching way that is sadly rare. Most films condescend to teenagers and handle their stories in a shallow manor that feels false.

Most of the film is set in a foster-care center for wayward teenagers and is based on the real life experience of Writer/Director Destin Danel Cretton. The film opens with an amusing story being told by Mason (John Gallagher Jr) a veteran employee who is helping a new employee understand how unpredictable his new job will be. Grace (Brie Larson) is a young counselor barely older than the children in her care. She is profoundly empathetic to the residents of the facility and does everything in her limited power to bring some comfort to their chaotic lives.

This film doesn't deal with life or death stakes on global level. You will not see giant robots manipulating alternative fuel sources to make bombs to blow up a national monument. No, this is a film with real stakes. Emotionally grounded, real world stakes that anyone can relate to. The film itself is not glossy or filled with any fluff it is bare bones and raw. Characters make poor choices and say things that hurt the ones that try to help them. Its not often I'm moved to tears when watching a film. Ok, that last sentence was a flat out lie. I cry very easily. Sometimes I cry at films that aren't very good. That's just who I am. Where was I? Oh yeah, Somewhere around the one hour mark I could feel this story underneath my skin. It had gotten to me and I was emotionally invested in its characters.Read more ›

Wonderful portrayal of young caregivers at a facility dedicated to the treatment of abused and disturbed youths. Great acting. Strong story line and screenplay. Wish all movie buffs had the chance to see this one!

An excellent movie. The performances are great across the board. I really identified with Dever's character of Jayden (we both suffer from depression, albeit for entirely different reasons) and she is a knockout in the role. Brie Larson brings a great deal of warmth and understanding to her role. To get to know these characters is to understand how anyone can be a victim of circumstances beyond his/her control, but there is hope. At least there is as long as facilities like Short Term 12 are around.

It sounds cliche, but I laughed and I cried (with sadness and with happiness). The characters were believable and it's easy to care about them. The acting and script were great. I was honestly really impressed.

As for the one-star reviews, I'm not sure why there is always at least one person who gives these kinds of great movies one star because of the "f-bombs" ruining it for them. In the real world people curse and they yell and they make mistakes. The swearing isn't gratuitous - it's in context. So if you live some sort of sheltered existence where "bad" words upset you, then don't watch this movie. Or pretty much any movie. Or go outside where there are any people speaking, especially younger people. But if you can handle real life, then please give this movie a chance. We need to encourage filmmakers to make more films of this quality.